Working Land Climate Corps Member Forest Technician

Cumberland, Maryland, USA.

Flexibility for hybrid work based in western MD.

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Nature Conservancy is working to improve forest management across the Appalachians to build climate resilience, increase carbon sequestration, and conserve wildlife habitat while providing support to landowners and benefits to communities. The WLCC Member Forest Technician assists with cutting edge forest restoration projects in western Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania with a focus on leveraging technology like GIS and drone-based remote sensing to support forest management.

This is a learn-while-doing opportunity, where you will acquire and practice skills key to your success in the field of conservation. You will work side-by-side with experienced TNC staff on area-wide conservation planning and late successional forest restoration projects in the Appalachians. Specific applied learning goals for the WLCC Member Forest Technician include:

• Increase proficiency in geospatial technologies, including GIS and drones (UAVs), for mapping and monitoring,
• Gain familiarity with various mobile applications for field data collection,
• Acquire competence in ESRI dashboards and spatial tracking systems.
• Gain hands-on experience in silvicultural techniques including non-commercial thinning, prescribed burning, tree planting, and invasive species management.

Are you looking to build a career in conservation? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is tech savvy and enthusiastic about participating in field work. Our ideal candidate is a passionate, motivated problem solver who will flourish with access to the resources the Nature Conservancy has to offer.

• Associates or Bachelors degree in natural resources or related field.
• Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
• Field experience or an enthusiastic desire to work outdoors in all weather.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Residing in or deeply familiar with the landscape and culture of Western Maryland.
• Basic understanding on collecting and analyzing forest data for management planning.
• Desire to learn and apply technology solutions in forest management.

WLCC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Be at least 17 years old at the start of service.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent or agree to obtain a high school diploma prior to using the earned education award.
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
• Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria.

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ.

About Working Land Climate Corps

The WLCC Member Forest Technician is funded by a grant provided by The Corps Network through AmeriCorps and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The Corps Network, the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps, is pleased to partner with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)/United States Department of Agriculture, AmeriCorps, and the National Association of Conservation Districts to implement the Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC). A program of the American Climate Corps, the WLCC will engage at least 100 young adults in technical skills and climate work across the country. Members will focus on supporting partner programs to connect landowners with available resources from USDA’s NRCS regarding Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The WLCC Member Forest Technician will be compensated with a living stipend of approximately $35,000 (disbursed bi-weekly) and (contingent upon completion of the full year of service) an education award of $6,895 from AmeriCorps. Health insurance is provided, and all business travel expenses will be covered or reimbursed by TNC.

This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 55420, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.